Just heard from Joe - He and Sheryl are at Hamner Springs today doing a resupply before attacking Harpers Pass. I guess next update will come in a week when they arrive at Arthur's Pass.
When Sheryl was pulling out (now continuing) Joe had an Olive Hexamid Solo tent w/ beak, and a Regular width, Long Length, -7C sleeping bag shipped to me for him to continue solo. If you live in NZ and want either of these great items call or email me (0274 500 552 rob@assess.co.nz). A great opportunity to save on freight and GST.
This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community. The header photo features me on McKellar Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120, Dirty Girl gaiters, Spalms sunsleeves and Altra Lone Peak shoes
28 Jan 2013
23 Jan 2013
Up Date on Joe's Te Aroroa Hike
Great news - Joe is now in St Arnaud (Nelson Lakes).
Sheryl has decided to stay on. I knew the South Island would capture her (and Joe's) heart.
They leave tomorrow for the push south through the Nelson Lakes and Lewis Pass. Some of the worlds best vista.
I will be in the lower Richmond Range with my hiking buddy, Lee in a couple of weeks, so I look forward to seeing their comments in the hut books.
Now what to do with the solo tent and sleeping bag Joe had shipped out from his workshop? May be I can make a bob on the side here :-)
Sheryl has decided to stay on. I knew the South Island would capture her (and Joe's) heart.
They leave tomorrow for the push south through the Nelson Lakes and Lewis Pass. Some of the worlds best vista.
I will be in the lower Richmond Range with my hiking buddy, Lee in a couple of weeks, so I look forward to seeing their comments in the hut books.
Now what to do with the solo tent and sleeping bag Joe had shipped out from his workshop? May be I can make a bob on the side here :-)
15 Jan 2013
News of Joe from Zpacks on Te Aroroa Trail
Joe just emailed to say Sheryl (his wife) has decided to go home. After a sterling effort of walking NZ's North Island she's had enough. What a pity as the best is yet to come. Joe will continue alone and Matt is sending new solo tent and bag.
More Fiordland Photos
Hi - One of my tramping party (Marg Law) sent me her photos of our Xmas trip - Great shots that I thought you'd like to see.
https://picasaweb.google.com/110150820322034133105/FiordlandMargsPhotos?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKyCzuHEzffBTA&feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/110150820322034133105/FiordlandMargsPhotos?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKyCzuHEzffBTA&feat=directlink
13 Jan 2013
Zpacks Arc Blast and Rain Gear
Here are a few shots of the Zpacks Arc Blast in action on our recent Fiordland Coastal trip. Also pictures of Kathy and I in Cuban Fiber rain jackets and yours truly in custom made Cuban shorts by Joe at Zpacks. The miserable look on my face on the 4th photo explains the typical Fiordland weather - Wet!
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| 3 little Zpacks all in a row... |
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| Rob with Arc Blast. Note track markings - Fishing buoys! |
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| The Gorge River in a very tame mood |
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| Rob in Cuban rain wear - Note shorts Joe adapted for me |
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| Ian crosses stream - Arc Blast |
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| Kathy on Burma Bridge in Cuben Rain coat |
8 Jan 2013
Fiordland Gear Check
I am just back from 8 day in NZs lower South Island - Fiordland. We did the Coastal Route from Mathyrs Homestead to Gunns Camp via the Hollyford River. We had good weather the first and last two days, but inbetween the heaviest rain the area has seen in two years!
We managed to get across the major rivers (Cascade, Gorge, Hackett and McKanzie) before flooded. However our second party got blocked at the Pyke River and had to retrace their steps (5 days - yuck).
My Zpacks raincoat performed wonderfully. I also had a chance to test my new rain shorts Joe made. I wore these over my undies (as shorts) on the days the rain was bucketing down. They worked well. However the waist bungy cord is too light. I will replace with heavier cord.
My Zpacks Arc Blast pack also performed well. Coupled with the cuben inner linner I had no water issues. However, the side hip pockets are not fully waterproof. Granted, we had unusually heavy rain. I found small pools of water in the pockets at the end of the day. Luckily I had my camera in a zip lock bag. I will suggest to Joe to put a small drain hole in the middle bottom of eack pocket. I am getting my "seamstress" daughter to do this.
Go to Trips page to see link for photos.
We managed to get across the major rivers (Cascade, Gorge, Hackett and McKanzie) before flooded. However our second party got blocked at the Pyke River and had to retrace their steps (5 days - yuck).
My Zpacks raincoat performed wonderfully. I also had a chance to test my new rain shorts Joe made. I wore these over my undies (as shorts) on the days the rain was bucketing down. They worked well. However the waist bungy cord is too light. I will replace with heavier cord.
My Zpacks Arc Blast pack also performed well. Coupled with the cuben inner linner I had no water issues. However, the side hip pockets are not fully waterproof. Granted, we had unusually heavy rain. I found small pools of water in the pockets at the end of the day. Luckily I had my camera in a zip lock bag. I will suggest to Joe to put a small drain hole in the middle bottom of eack pocket. I am getting my "seamstress" daughter to do this.
Go to Trips page to see link for photos.
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